18244, Parryville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18244, Parryville, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.69 percent of the residents in 18244 has some form of health insurance. 48.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.25 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 18244 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 80 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18244. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 45 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,216 health care providers accessible to residents in 18244, Parryville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Parryville, PA (ZIP Code 18244)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care in Parryville, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach, moving beyond simple physician counts. This analysis, framed as a “Hypertension Score,” considers not just the raw number of doctors but also their accessibility, the resources available to them, and the overall patient experience. We'll dissect the primary care availability within ZIP Code 18244, focusing on factors that influence the effective management of hypertension.

The foundation of hypertension care lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Parryville, a small community, likely faces challenges in this regard. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, compromised hypertension management. Publicly available data, such as that from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, provides population estimates. Cross-referencing this with physician directories (e.g., those maintained by the American Medical Association or local hospitals) allows for a preliminary calculation of this ratio. A low ratio necessitates strategies to improve access, such as recruiting more PCPs or optimizing existing resources.

Beyond the raw number of doctors, the type of practices and their operational efficiency significantly impact hypertension care. Are there any standout practices in Parryville that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management? This requires investigation. Look for practices that are patient-centered medical homes, certified by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). These practices often have systems in place for proactive patient outreach, regular blood pressure monitoring, and medication management. A key indicator is the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their integration with patient portals. This enables patients to access their records, communicate with their doctors, and track their blood pressure readings, all of which can improve adherence to treatment plans.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Parryville, being a rural area, could benefit greatly from telemedicine. This allows patients to consult with their doctors remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments. Investigating the prevalence of telemedicine services among local practices is essential. Do doctors offer virtual consultations? Do they use remote monitoring devices, such as blood pressure cuffs that transmit readings directly to their EHRs? Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care.

The management of hypertension is inextricably linked to mental health. Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of our "Hypertension Score" analysis. Does Parryville have access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists? Are these resources integrated with primary care practices? Integrated care, where mental health professionals work collaboratively with PCPs, has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with hypertension and co-occurring mental health conditions. Assessing the availability of these resources and the level of integration with primary care is essential.

Furthermore, consider the availability of other supportive resources. Are there local pharmacies that offer medication adherence programs? Are there community health programs that provide education about healthy eating and exercise? These resources can play a vital role in empowering patients to manage their hypertension effectively. The "Hypertension Score" should also consider the presence of these ancillary services.

Data collection for this analysis would involve a combination of methods. Publicly available data, physician directories, and hospital websites can provide information on the number of doctors, practice types, and services offered. Patient reviews and feedback can offer insights into the patient experience. Reaching out to local practices and pharmacies to inquire about their services and programs is also crucial. This comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension care in Parryville.

The analysis should culminate in a comprehensive “Hypertension Score” for the area. This score would incorporate all the factors discussed above, providing a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the quality of hypertension care. The score could be presented as a numerical value or a rating (e.g., A, B, C, D, F), with a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the score.

The findings of this analysis can be used to inform various stakeholders. Patients can use the information to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers. Healthcare providers can use the analysis to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Policymakers can use the data to identify gaps in care and to develop strategies to improve access to hypertension management services.

Ultimately, the goal of this "Hypertension Score" analysis is to provide a clear and concise picture of the state of hypertension care in Parryville, Pennsylvania. This allows for informed decision-making, enabling patients to receive the best possible care and helping healthcare providers to improve their services.